The Recall of Biocell Textured Breast Implants

Do you have Biocell Textured Breast Implants? Many women in Arkansas and Oklahoma have received breast implants through reconstructive surgery after mastectomies or for cosmetic purposes. Unfortunately, women who received certain breast implants from Allergan might be at risk of developing Breast Implant-Associated Cancer (BIA-ALCL), a cancer of cells in the lymphatic system associated with breast implants. This is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that develops in the lymphatic cells in the scar tissue beneath and around the implants. While some women have developed BIA-ALCL after receiving smooth breast implants, women who received Allergan’s Natrelle Biocell Textured Breast Implants are much likelier to develop cancer. If you have developed BIA-ALCL after implantation with these breast implants, you should reach out to the attorneys at the Law Offices of Craig L. Cook.

Recall of Natrelle Biocell Textured Breast Implants

Natrelle Biocell Textured Breast Implants were manufactured by Allergan and were used in many breast implantation procedures in the U.S. Following an analysis of worldwide reports of 573 BIA-ALCL diagnoses and 33 deaths linked to these implants, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested that Allergan recall its textured breast implants and tissue expanders in July 2019. Allergan followed the request by issuing a worldwide recall of the Natrelle Biocell textured breast implants on July 24, 2019.

In spite of the recall in July 2019, the FDA raised concerns that many women who had received the implants had not been notified about the recall and the risks of developing BIA-ALCL nearly a year later. In June 2020, Allergan was reportedly trying to track down women who had received these implants to notify them of the risks associated with the company’s textured breast implants and the existence of the recall.

What Is Breast Implant-Associated Cancer?

BIA-ALCL is an immune system cancer that develops when the T-cells produce too much anaplastic lymphoma kinase, or ALKI. This substance causes lymph cells contained in the lymphatic tissues to grow scar tissue surrounding an implant.

BIA-ALCL is much more likely to develop in patients who have textured implants instead of smooth implants. Textured implants are believed to trigger a stronger inflammatory response and contribute to the formation of scar tissue to hold breast implants in place. However, this increased inflammatory response can also result in harm for some people.

When BIA-ALCL is diagnosed early, it can be treated by removing the surrounding scar tissue and the implant. However, if it has metastasized, the patient may require radiation or chemotherapy. Currently, the recall does not cover the cost of surgery or medical treatment for women who develop BIA-ALCL linked to breast implants. This has resulted in many women choosing to file lawsuits to get the help that they need.

Lawsuits Against Allergan and AbbVie

Allergan was acquired by AbbVie. While the 2019 recall provided financial coverage to pay for the cost of replacement devices, it did not provide coverage for surgical costs involved with the removal or replacement of implants, medical or diagnostic testing, or medical monitoring to check for early signs of cancer. Women who developed BIA-ALCL following the implantation of textured breast implants manufactured by Allergan also did not receive compensation for their medical claims.

Patients who had Allergan Biocell Breast Implants implanted are filing legal claims to recover compensation for replacement, removal, and coverage for future cancer costs. Many people have filed lawsuits after receiving diagnoses of BIA-ALCL to recover damages for their economic and non-economic losses.

Schedule a Consultation with the Law Offices of Craig L. Cook

Women who have been diagnosed with BIA-ALCL following the implantation of Allergan breast implants should check to see if their implants were recalled. Women who received one of the types of recalled implants might be eligible to recover compensation by filing a claim against the company. People who have received Allergan Biocell Textured Implants but have not developed BIA-ALCL might also be entitled to recover compensation to cover the surgical costs of removal, replacement, and ongoing medical monitoring.

The attorneys at The Law Offices of Craig L. Cook are currently accepting claims for evaluation and can help you understand the options that might be available. Contact the Law Offices of Craig L. Cook today to request a free consultation by calling 479-783-8000 (Fort Smith) or 918-912-2132 (Tulsa) or sending us a message online.